The Montgomery County Office of Grants Management is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2024 Emerging Business Districts Grants Program. This program is designed to support the creation of either Business Improvement Districts (BID) or Urban District Corporations (UDC). A total of $450,000 will be made available to fund awards between $100,000 and $300,000 for up to 12 months. The grant is designed to help nonprofit organizations working toward advancing through these stages to establish a BID or UDC in their community with the goal of a self-sustaining BID or UDC.
The BID and UDC establishment process is roughly divided into three phases which take approximately three years to complete. The phases are planning, outreach and legislative approval. Applicants may submit multi-year funding proposals for up to three years, but funding beyond the first 12 months will be contingent on both satisfactory project performance and availability of funding.
A BID is an economic development tool that allows a geographic cluster of commercial property owners to collectively invest in activities that improve economic vitality.
Montgomery County Code defines a UDC as a special taxing district that provides an administrative and financial framework for intensely developed communities containing diversified commercial, institutional and residential development. The goals of a UDC are to increase the maintenance of the streetscape and its amenities; provide additional public amenities such as plantings, seating, shelters and works of art; promote the commercial and residential interests of these areas; and program cultural and community activities.
“I am pleased that we can support the County’s Emerging Business District Grant Program to help establish a UDC or BID,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “These grants empower local communities to meet the needs of the businesses and residents more effectively with staff who are closely connected to the local community and can help find answers to questions.”
Business Improvement Districts and Urban District Corporations must be established by legislation passed by the County Council. There are four Urban Districts within the County (Bethesda, Friendship Heights, Silver Spring and Wheaton) that offer specialized services in a designated neighborhood. Bethesda is the only Urban District Corporation that is a special taxing district. Currently, there are no Business Improvement Districts in the County.
For more information about the program, eligibility and how to apply, visit the Montgomery County Office of Grants Management Grant Application Platform. Applications can be submitted by eligible organizations until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20.
Applicants with questions about the application process should contact the Office of Grants Management by calling 240-773-3344 or by email at grants@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Grant applications will be reviewed by an independent committee organized by the Community Engagement Cluster. The committee will include neutral, qualified individuals from Montgomery County Government who are selected for their expertise, grants administration or project management.
The Community Engagement Cluster (CEC) works to build stronger, more informed and inclusive communities. The cluster is responsible for strengthening Montgomery County’s commitment to civic engagement and community service by engaging residents, organizations, businesses and other interest groups in our communities.
The Cluster is a combination of the County’s five Regional Services Centers (Bethesda-Chevy Chase, East County, Mid-County, Silver Spring, UpCounty), four Urban Districts, the Commission for Women and the Office of Community Partnerships, including the Gilchrist Center and the Volunteer Center, that have been operating as one unit since July 1, 2011. As a cluster, these offices/functions have combined facilities, resources and support staff while retaining staff expertise and experience, as well as most of the objectives of the separate entities involved.
